Recently, 43 countries have signed a declaration, calling on China to ensure full respect for the rule of law for the Muslim Uighur community in Xinjiang. Earlier, in March 2021 several hundred Uighur Muslim women in Turkey staged an International Women’s Day marchagainst the extradition agreement of Turkey with China. Important points: The …

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), constituted by the Supreme Court, has asked the Assam government to take action on illegal construction in the identified wildlife corridors of the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Earlier, Kaziranga National Park became the first in the country to use satellite phones and DehingPatkai and Raimona were designated as National Parks and the Eco-sensitive zone of the DeeporBeel Wildlife …

Recently, the World Meteorological Congress 2021 has endorsed a Water Declaration, including the Water and Climate Coalition. It has also approved a new vision and strategy for hydrology and an associated plan of action. Important points: Only 40% of countries globally have operational early flood and drought warning systems. Some 60% of WMO member countries lack hydrological monitoring capabilities. Globally, more than three billion people have no …

The anniversary of the formation of the Azad Hind Government is celebrated on 21st October  every year. The day marks the announcement of India’s first independent provisional government named Azad Hind Government. Important points: On 21st October 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose announced the formation of the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (Free India) in Singapore, with himself as the Head of …

Recently, as part of AzadikaAmritMahotsav, a total of 152 Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (SAKSHAM Centres) across 77 districts of 13 states were launched. The centres were launched under DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) of the Ministry of Rural Development. Important points: Centre for Financial Literacy & Service Delivery (CFL&SD) would act as …

According to a new report, Global agricultural productivity is not growing as fast as the demand for food, amid the impact of climate change. The report was released in conjunction with the World Food Prize Foundation’s annual conference. Important points: Findings: Total Factor Productivity (TFP) is growing at an annual rate of 1.36% (2020-2019). This is below the Global …

Recently, the Group of Seven (G7)wealthy nations agreed on a joint set of principles to govern cross-border data use and digital trade. The deal is a first step in reducing trade barriers, and could lead to a common rulebook of digital trade Earlier, India attended the 47th G7 Summit as a guest country. Important points: Digital and telecommunications …

Recently, the Odisha Government has decided to relocate around 420 families from four zero-connectivity villages in Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary. The relocation is aimed at reducing man-animal conflict and providing better living conditions to the displaced families. Important points: It is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha near Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River) and covers an area of …

The proposal for Indian regulators to consider a new gene editing technique has been pending with the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee for almost two years. Genome editing (also called gene editing) is a group of technologies that give scientists the ability to change an organism’s Deoxy-Ribonucleic Acid (DNA). These technologies allow genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at …

Recently, a report titled the Global Threat Assessment Report 2021, released by WeProtect Global Alliance has revealed that Covid-19 had contributed to a significant spike in child sexual exploitation and abuse online. The report outlines the scale and scope of child sexual exploitation and abuse online, as well as an overview of the global response to the issue. …

Recently, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) retained Pakistan in the ‘greylist’ or ‘increased monitoring list’. The FATF also announced the ‘greylisting’ of Jordan, Mali and Turkey. Botswana and Mauritius had been taken out of the grey list. Important points: Pakistan is retained for failing to effectively implement the global FATF standards and …

Recently, the Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East. India’s involvement in this new grouping reflects a shift in its foregin policy. Important points: The new …

Recently, a micro snail species named Georissamawsmaiensis has been discovered in Mawsmai Cave in Meghalaya. Important points: The new species is unique from Georissasarrita (a member of the same genus discovered in 1851) in its shell morphology, starting from shell size variation to the presence of four very prominent spiral striations (a minute groove, scratch) on body …

Recently, the Union government has renamed Mount Harriet of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands to Mount Manipur. Important points: Mount Harriet, the third-highest island peak in A&N Islands, where Manipur’s Maharaja Kulchandra Singh and 22 other freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Anglo-Manipuri war (1891). It has been renamed in a tribute to those freedom fighters of Manipur. …

Recently, the US Defence Secretary has urged more defence cooperation among friendly Black Sea countries amid Russia “militarisation” of the region. This came ahead of a NATO Ministers summit. Important points: The Black Sea is located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is surrounded by the Pontic, Caucasus, and Crimean Mountains in the south, east and north respectively. The …

Recently, the 2021 Production Gap Report was released by the leading research institutes and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) The Production Gap Report, first launched in 2019, tracks the discrepancy between governments’ planned fossil fuel production and global production levels consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C or 2°C. Important points: The production gap to achieve …

Ahead of UDAN Day (21st October), the Ministry of Civil Aviation flagged off 6 routes, expanding the aerial connectivity of North-East India, under the UDAN Scheme The Government of India has acknowledged the contribution of the scheme and has identified 21st October as UDAN Day, the day on which the scheme document was first released. Important …

As the global recovery gains strength, the price of crude oil is nearing its highest level since 2018. Brent crude oil prices rose to USD 85.89 a barrel, the highest price since October 2018. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude prices climbed to USD 83.40 a barrel, highest since October 2014. On the other …

Recently, the Assam Government has announced that Bhaskarabda, a Luni-Solar Calendar will be used as an official calendar. Presently, the official calendar of Assam government makes use of the Saka calendar and the Gregorian calendar. However, the Bhaskarabda calendar will also be used from now onwards. Important points: Bhaskarabda, an era counted from the date …

According to a recent study, if carbon emissions continue at current levels, summer ice in the arctic will disappear by 2100 and, along with it, creatures such as seals and polar bears. The Arctic sea ice reached its minimum extent, coming in at 4.72 million square miles. It is the 12th lowest on record and the record minimum …